The 90s were a time of exploration and self-expression for Generation X, filled with quirky trends and unforgettable fads.
While some have aged like fine wine, others might make us cringe in retrospect. Here’s a look at 16 cherished things from the 90s that may now leave us chuckling at our past selves.
1. Chain wallets that clanked when you walked
Once a symbol of rebellion and alternative culture, chain wallets dangled from the hips of many a Gen Xer. The metallic clank with every step was like a rebellious anthem, signaling the presence of someone who lived on the edge. More than just a fashion statement, these wallets were a practical solution to the fear of losing one’s cash or ID during mosh pits and late-night adventures.
The chains came in various lengths and thicknesses, sometimes adorned with charms or logos that represented one’s favorite bands. While some still hold onto this piece of their past, most have traded them in for sleeker, quieter versions. The unmistakable sound of a jangling chain may now elicit more giggles than awe, but it remains a beloved memory of carefree days.
Despite the embarrassment it might cause today, the chain wallet is a nostalgic reminder of a time when fashion was as bold as the personalities who wore it.
2. Overplucked eyebrows—and proud of it
In the 90s, thin eyebrows were the epitome of beauty, and many Gen Xers perfected the art of overplucking to achieve that desired pencil-thin look. Armed with tweezers, they meticulously removed hair until only a slender arch remained, framing their eyes with precision. This trend was ubiquitous, gracing the faces of celebrities, models, and everyday people alike.
Today, those same eyebrows might be a source of embarrassment, as fuller brows have taken center stage. Some still bear the scars of their overzealous tweezing, with hairs that refuse to grow back. Despite this, there’s a certain charm in those carefully sculpted lines, a testament to the dedication to beauty standards of the time.
Though modern beauty regimens have moved on, the memory of those painstakingly shaped brows lingers, a quirky homage to an era that celebrated individuality in its most groomed form.
3. Saying “talk to the hand” unironically
The phrase “talk to the hand” was not just a saying; it was a movement. With a simple flick of the wrist, it allowed Gen Xers to express ultimate indifference or dismissal. This ubiquitous gesture was both defiant and playful, often used among friends or in jest during heated debates.
Adopted from pop culture and television, it quickly became a part of everyday vernacular, punctuating conversations with sass and humor. While it might elicit chuckles now, back then it was a powerful tool in the arsenal of adolescent expression.
Sure, it feels a bit cringe-worthy today, but “talk to the hand” was a unique way to communicate without saying a word. It stands as a playful emblem of the 90s, a time when words weren’t always necessary to make a point. Even if it seems silly now, it remains a cherished memory of youthful rebellion.
4. Tribal tattoos on absolutely everyone
Tribal tattoos were the ultimate badge of coolness in the 90s, decorating the bodies of countless Gen Xers. Inspired by Polynesian, Maori, and other indigenous designs, these tattoos were often bold and striking, symbolizing strength and individuality. The trend caught on like wildfire, with both men and women flocking to tattoo parlors to get inked.
The appeal lay in their intricate patterns and edgy aesthetics, though most didn’t realize the cultural significance behind these designs. Today, those with tribal tattoos may find themselves explaining their choice or even regretting it, as tattoo styles have evolved significantly.
Despite the potential embarrassment, these tattoos evoke memories of youthful daring and a desire to stand out. They are art etched onto the skin, capturing a moment in time when body art was both an expression of identity and a rite of passage.
5. Wallet-size senior portraits handed out like baseball cards
In the 90s, senior portraits were more than just a yearbook staple; they were a cherished rite of passage. Gen Xers would carry around wallet-sized versions of these portraits, eagerly handing them out to friends and family. It was a way to share a piece of oneself, like trading cards of teenage milestones.
These portraits often featured stiff poses, awkward smiles, and backgrounds that ranged from classic to downright cheesy. Holding onto them was a way to cherish memories from high school, where each picture told a story of friendship, growth, and transformation.
Today, these little snapshots might feel awkwardly staged or overly sentimental, but they serve as a nostalgic window into a simpler time. They capture the essence of youth, preserving memories that, although cringe-worthy, are filled with warmth and affection.
6. Mood rings that never actually worked
Mood rings promised to unlock the mysteries of our emotions with just a flick of the finger. These rings, adorned with a color-changing stone, claimed to reflect one’s mood based on body temperature. For Gen Xers, they were a fascinating blend of pseudo-science and fashion, capturing the imagination of anyone curious about their emotional state.
Despite their allure, mood rings were notoriously inaccurate. More often than not, they failed to align with the wearer’s feelings, but that hardly mattered. They were fun, colorful, and added a touch of mystery to any outfit.
Though today they might be dismissed as a gimmick, mood rings retain their charm as a whimsical reminder of a time when the line between science and magic was delightfully blurred. Their enduring appeal lies in the joy of discovery they sparked, even if that discovery was often more fiction than fact.
7. Wearing JNCO jeans so wide they had their own zip code
JNCO jeans were more than just pants; they were a statement. With leg openings that could rival the width of a small car, these jeans became synonymous with 90s fashion rebellion. For Gen Xers, it was all about the bagginess and the comfort that came with those cavernous legs.
The allure of JNCO jeans lay in their ability to challenge conventional fashion norms. They were favored by skaters, ravers, and anyone who rejected the mainstream, offering a canvas for self-expression. Despite their impracticality, they were a badge of honor for those who wore them.
Looking back, these jeans might draw laughs for their exaggerated proportions, but they remain an iconic symbol of a time when bigger was undeniably better. Their oversized charm is a fond reminder of a daring era in fashion history.
8. Platform sneakers that broke more ankles than we admit
Platform sneakers towered over regular footwear, elevating both height and style to new levels. For Gen Xers, these shoes were the pinnacle of cool, adding inches in height and attitude alike. They came in various colors and designs, offering a playful twist to any ensemble.
However, with great height came great risk. Many a Gen Xer found themselves stumbling or even twisting an ankle in their quest for fashion superiority. But the danger was part of the thrill, a price worth paying for those extra inches.
Today, platform sneakers might seem like a fashion misstep, but back then, they were anything but. They stand as a testament to a bold era when footwear was as adventurous as the people who wore it, turning sidewalks into runways and every step into a statement.
9. Dial-up internet (and thinking it was futuristic)
The sound of dial-up internet connecting was music to the ears of Gen Xers. It signaled the gateway to a new digital world, where the possibilities seemed endless. Back then, waiting several minutes for a page to load was a small price to pay for what felt like cutting-edge technology.
Despite its snail-like speed, dial-up internet was revolutionary. It connected people in unprecedented ways, opening up access to information, chat rooms, and early websites. The patience required was immense, but so was the excitement of exploration.
Today, the thought of dial-up might evoke laughter, yet it was a stepping stone to the fast-paced internet of today. It reminds us of a simpler time when the digital frontier was just beginning, and every beep and boop was a promise of adventure.
10. Decorating lockers like miniature theme parks
For Gen Xers, lockers were more than just a place to store books; they were personal canvases. Decorating them was an art form, transforming the drab metal into vibrant displays of personality. Stickers, magnets, photos, and even small lights adorned these compact spaces.
Each locker told a story, reflecting its owner’s interests, friendships, and current obsessions. This creative expression was a hallmark of high school life, a way to stand out in the crowded hallways and claim a little corner of the world.
Though the trend might seem childish now, locker decorating was a beloved ritual. It symbolizes a time when self-expression was as much about creativity as it was about finding one’s identity amidst the chaos of adolescence.
11. Frosted tips—and feeling like a pop star
Frosted tips were the hairstyle of choice for many a Gen Xer aspiring to channel their inner pop star. This trend, characterized by lightened tips against darker roots, was synonymous with coolness, inspired by the icons of music and television.
Achieving the perfect frosted tips required precision and often a bit of hair bleach. The look was bold, edgy, and a surefire way to stand out in any crowd. For those sporting it, it was an emblem of confidence and style.
While the hairstyle might raise eyebrows today, it remains a fun reminder of a time when hair was as much an accessory as any piece of clothing. Frosted tips reflect a playful era, one that celebrated daring choices and self-expression.
12. Recording love songs on cassette tapes
The art of the mixtape was a labor of love, and recording love songs on cassette tapes was the ultimate romantic gesture. Crafting the perfect playlist required time, thought, and sometimes a bit of stolen radio time. For Gen Xers, it was a way to express emotions that words alone couldn’t capture.
Each tape was a carefully curated collection of songs, often accompanied by handwritten notes or doodles on the cover. Sharing a mixtape was akin to baring one’s soul, a heartfelt expression wrapped in plastic and magnetic tape.
Though digital playlists have replaced cassettes, the romantic allure of the mixtape endures. It represents a tactile, personal form of connection, a nostalgia that continues to resonate with those who once spent hours pressing record and pause, crafting the perfect soundtrack.
13. Hanging beaded curtains in your doorway like it was a rite of passage
Beaded curtains were the epitome of 90s home decor, adding a bohemian flair to any room. For Gen Xers, hanging these in a doorway was a stylish way to create a sense of mystery and separation without closing off space entirely.
The gentle clatter as one moved through them became a familiar sound, enhancing the ambiance of bedrooms or living spaces. They came in all colors and designs, from simple wooden beads to intricate glass creations.
While they might seem a bit kitschy now, beaded curtains are a charming throwback to a time when decor was fun and whimsical. They remind us of a youthful desire to transform spaces, infusing them with personality and a touch of the exotic.
14. Thinking slap bracelets were peak fashion
Slap bracelets were more than just accessories; they were a phenomenon. With a simple flick, a straight strip of metal wrapped snugly around the wrist, creating an instant bracelet. For Gen Xers, these were the ultimate in wearable fun, adding a pop of color and noise to any outfit.
They came in a variety of patterns and designs, allowing for endless combinations and swaps among friends. The thrill of the slap was addictive, and they quickly became a playground staple.
Though they might seem trivial today, slap bracelets capture the essence of 90s novelty. Their tactile satisfaction and playful nature make them a nostalgic reminder of a time when fashion was as much about interaction as it was about style.
15. Quoting “The Rachel” haircut like gospel
“The Rachel” was more than a haircut; it was a cultural phenomenon. Named after the beloved character from “Friends,” this layered style became the must-have look for Gen Xers eager to emulate their favorite TV star.
Salons across the country saw a surge in requests for “The Rachel,” as fans sought to capture its effortless chicness. The style was both versatile and flattering, making it a go-to for those wanting to update their look.
While hairstyles have evolved, “The Rachel” remains an iconic symbol of 90s television influence. It’s a reminder of a time when a haircut could become a global trend, uniting fans in their quest for sitcom-inspired style.
16. Collecting Pogs like they were currency
Pogs were more than just cardboard circles; they were a 90s obsession. For Gen Xers, collecting Pogs was serious business, and trading them was an art form. These small discs, adorned with colorful designs, became the playground currency of choice.
The game of Pogs involved stacking them and using a heavier “slammer” to flip them over. Each Pog won was a trophy, adding to one’s growing collection. The thrill of the game was matched only by the joy of acquiring a rare or coveted Pog.
Though they might be tucked away in attics now, Pogs symbolize a time when simple games brought immense joy. They capture the spirit of camaraderie and competition, a nostalgic reminder of childhood days spent chasing the ultimate collection.